The 40th Conejo Valley Home Remodeling Show will be Saturday and Sunday, April 18 and 19, at the Westlake Hyatt (880 S. Westlake Blvd., Westlake Village). The show, which takes place every year in April and September, features local contractors, landscapers, interior designers, solar installers and other home improvement professionals.

According to a study by the Joint Center of Housing Studies at Harvard University, home improvement projects are increasing because homeowners that might have traded up to newer homes have decided instead to improve their current homes. Another factor is federal and state stimulus programs that encourage energy-efficient upgrades.

“We’ve seen this trend at the remodeling show for that past few years,” said Rick Goodman, the show’s organizer. “More than 150 home improvement specialists now take part and crowds have increased to well over 5,000 people over the two-day show.”

One of the show’s exhibitors will be Budget Blinds of Calabasas and Thousand Oaks. “We’re seeing a trend towards roller/solar shades for their stylish look and energy saving properties,” says Roger Philipp, Budget Blinds’ owner. “The sun shining directly into windows not only generates a lot of heat but the UV rays also cause fading and damage with continuous exposure. Greatly reducing the inside heat generation from the sun really helps to reduce energy costs.”

Philipp says drapes are still trendy. “Drapes are as popular as ever whether it is blackout drapes for bedrooms or theater rooms or a grand look for dining and living rooms,” he notes.

Two recent advancements are impacting the look of windows and doors. “The first has to do with color,” said Larry Cohen, marketing director of Bel Air Exteriors, which installs windows and doors in Ventura and Los Angeles counties. “Homeowners used to have a choice between only white or beige windows. Now, a wealth of colors is available—red, green, orange, bronze—you name it. It allows for a very special curb appeal.”

The second trend is in sliding doors. “For a long time, if you had a 10 foot opening, the door could only slide open 5 feet. We’re installing bi-fold doors so the entire space is almost completely open,” said Cohen. “With new construction, the sliding doors can hide in the wall. This can make a dramatic change to the house.”

For outside upgrades, landscapers, pool builders and other hardscape contractors will be at the show. One is Vinyl Concepts, celebrating its 10-year anniversary in the Conejo Valley serving the Los Angeles marketplace. The company provides vinyl fencing, patio covers, decking and other vinyl designs.

“Probably the biggest advantage of vinyl over wood is that vinyl requires no maintenance,” said Bob Roberts, Vinyl Concepts sales manager. “That means no termites, rot or splinters.” Vinyl Concepts uses vinyl that is UV protected to prevent it from fading. All work comes with a five-year warranty and a lifetime manufacturer warranty for as long as the homeowner lives in the house, which is then transferrable to the next owner for an additional 30 years.

“Upfront, the cost of vinyl is more expensive, but if you compare it to the cost of using quality lumber and hiring the work of a true craftsman, the initial cost is very comparable,” says Roberts. “And when it comes to maintenance, vinyl will always have the advantage.”

These and other experts will be on hand to answer homeowner questions. Home show hours are Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Gourmet food trucks will be on hand on Saturday, April 18, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.